NBA Gives Green Light To Open Its Doors For Business
The Oklahoma City Thunder's sparkling new practice facility is finally about to welcome the team's players.
The NBA has informed teams that players will be permitted to use team facilities on Thursday, while front office executives can resume communication with players’ agents on Wednesday.
Players haven’t had access to their teams’ facilities since the NBA lockout began on July 1. Front office executives have been prohibited from all contact with players and their agents during that time as well.
According to the Associated Press, owners, general managers and coaches also can resume commenting publicly about their players and other typical team-related matters.
What does it all mean for the Thunder?
First and foremost, starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, GM Sam Presti can roll up his sleeves and start negotiating Russell Westbrook’s ultra-important contract extension. But because a new collective bargaining agreement has not been ratified, teams cannot finalize contracts until the free-agent signing period begins on Dec. 9, which also is the start date for training camps.
Westbrook, a first-time All-Star and All-NBA Second Team selection last season, will become a restricted free agent next summer if the two sides are unable to reach a deal. The Thunder would then have the right to match any offer Westbrook might receive from another team. But it appears likely the Thunder will try to quickly lock up Westbrook, who has exploded onto the NBA landscape as one of the league’s elite point guards at only 23 years old.
The Thunder also can start the similar process of re-signing shooting guard Daequan Cook, who is a restricted free agent but has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain in OKC. (more…)
OKC Thunder’s flag football roster
Kevin Durant plays flag football at Oklahoma State on Halloween night. (Photo courtesy KT King)
Evidently, Kevin Durant has accepted LeBron James’ challenge to a flag football game. It was on Twitter, so it must be true:
@KDTrey5: Set it up! My team ready RT @KingJames:@KDTrey5 Team KD35 vs Team King James do I hear? Flag football.(Done deal! Date soon)
On Day 123 of the NBA lockout, Durant was at bored at his OKC home on Halloween night and asked via Twitter if anyone locally was playing flag football. What transpired was one of the coolest impromptu events ever to hit Stillwater.
The play-by-play of Durant’s escapade is detailed here and here.
OKC Thunder coach Scott Brooks and general manager Sam Presti no doubt cringe at the thought of their franchise player (due to start a five-year extension whenever next season starts) challenging the 6-foot-8, 260-poundish James on a football field. Doing so on a basketball court is crazy enough. The dude could start next Sunday for the Cleveland Browns … um, the Miami Dolphins.
Durant claims he has his flag football team ready to go. Thunder players organized four-day workout sessions this summer in Austin, Texas, and Lexington, Ky., so it’s not outlandish to think they would gladly huddle up as a flag football team to pass the time.
Here is a breakdown of the OKC Thunder flag football roster, with positions:
Kevin Durant — WR/FS: With Durant’s 7-foot-5 wingspan, every pass attempt should be a fade route, even from the Thunder’s own 10-yard line. If there’s a jump ball, offensively or defensively, it’s his. Boring, but effective.
Russell Westbrook — QB/CB: Best athlete on the field, including LeBron. A Michael Vick type. (Did you know Westbrook writes left-handed?) No matter how many completions he has, national media will complain Westbrook should have passed the ball more to Durant.
Kendrick Perkins — DL: Only non-platoon player on roster because of fragile knees. Ndamukong Suh’s attitude. Most penalized player in flag football.
Nick Collison FB/MLB: Instead of taking charges, Collison finally gets to knock some people down. He excels playing two physical positions. When you least expect it, Collison erupts (think Trey Millard 61-yard TD run vs. Kansas State).
Thabo Sefolosha WR/SS: A physical presence on both sides of the ball. Covers a lot of territory. Always helping out teammates. Good blocker. Outstanding receiver on underneath routes. Unsung player, but vitally important.
James Harden FL/OLB: Effective playmaker with the ability to take over a game. Streaky. Sneaky quick. And here’s some good news for him: he gets to start.
Serge Ibaka TE/DE: Remarkable athlete, but language barrier creates problems with on-field communication, which is why he plays the same position on both sides of the ball. He stands in the exact same spot going each direction.
Eric Maynor QB/CB: Westbrook’s backup at both positions. One of the most underappreciated backups in all of flag football. Rarely makes mistakes. Subtle in his effectiveness. A valuable commodity.
Nazr Mohammed TE/DL: Pretty much keeps his hands raised throughout the entire game, kind of like “Chief” in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Stands at the line of scrimmage, to either catch a pass or knock one down.
Daequan Cook WR/BANDIT: A specialist on both sides of the ball, as a receiver and as a fifth defensive back. Either way, he’s going deep. Restricted free agent, but hopes to have contract signed before coin toss.
Royal Ivey PLAYER/COACH: There in a pinch when you need him. Wise and dependable. Think George Blanda at age 29. Out to prove people from Austin still know how to play football.
Cole Aldrich C/NT: Just like in basketball, Aldrich is asked to have a presence in the middle. Is permitted three developmental assignments in the Canadian Flag Football League, which is handy because he can visit his parents in Minnesota.
Byron Mullens C/NT: Just like in basketball, is battling for the exact same positions(s) as Aldrich. Also is allowed three CFFL assignments. Mullens is better offensively than defensively, and vice versa for Aldrich.
Nate Robinson RB/CB/KR: An explosive weapon, when he’s focused. Played cornerback for one season at University of Washington before concentrating on basketball. Potential hero or goat and a crowd favorite.
Reggie Jackson: No assigned position as of yet. Durant and teammates have him busy doing rookie chores — laundry, washing cars, carrying luggage, Sonic runs.
Are you ready for some (flag) football?
Catching Up With Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant has every reason to smile this summer
BATON ROUGE, La. — After spending a day on the set of Kevin Durant’s upcoming movie “Switch” on Friday, today was media day, the day to ask Durant about his movie and any and everything else that’s been up with him this summer.
And that’s a tough job.
Try making a list of questions you’d like to ask Durant. Now try and trim that list to make sure you get the best ones in.
Because you’ve only got 10 minutes. After that, time’s up and you’re being shooed away so the next person on the circuit can come in and do it all over again.
But, we do our best. And all things considered, I actually covered a lot of ground with KD in a one-on-one interview this afternoon. Be sure to pick up The Oklahoman and stay on NewsOK.com in the coming days for a Q&A on a variety of topics. In the meantime, here’s some of the more significant tidbits that emerged from of our chat.
Is Eric Maynor Really On The Move?
Would the Thunder entertain the idea of trading one of the league's best reserve point guards?
Chad Ford of ESPN.com reported this morning that the Thunder is seeking to trade into the top 15 of tonight’s NBA Draft and is dangling reserve point guard Eric Maynor while seeking to move up.
They’ve spoken to the Kings (No. 7) and Bobcats (No. 9) in particular in the past few days…With so few quality point guards on the board this year, would a team covet him more than Kemba Walker or Jimmer Fredette? Who are the Thunder after? Like a lot of teams, it seems they are in hot pursuit of Lithuanian big man Jonas Valanciunas.”
It’s certainly the start of an interesting scenario. But from all my conversations, both throughout the season and leading up to tonight’s draft, it’s not happening. The Thunder loves Maynor. The team loves what he brings on the court, loves his attitude and work ethic and loves how he meshes with the roster.
Now, if some team made Thunder general manager Sam Presti an offer he couldn’t refuse, say a top five pick straight up for Maynor, then all bets are off. The Thunder doesn’t love Maynor that much. But in a weak draft that is filled with role players, is there someone in the seven to 15 range who can come in and immediately have a bigger impact than Maynor. Probably not. The Thunder loves to look long term when drafting, and I expect the organization to do the same tonight. But not since Presti began tearing down in 2007 to build up have we seen this front office sacrifice today for tomorrow. It’s possible Presti is willing to someday trade Maynor. But it’s not probable that today is that day, mainly since whatever potential deal is out there would give the Thunder a good leg up for the future but leave a gaping hole at the present day backup point guard spot.
That’s why any talk of Maynor being dealt is a little far-fetched. But here are five other reasons the Thunder isn’t likely to trade Maynor tonight.
Kyle Singler: Drafting him could get ‘tricky’
Several websites have the Oklahoma City Thunder selecting Duke wingman Kyle Singler with the No. 24 overall pick in the NBA Draft on June 23.
Whether that happens remains to be seen. If the Thunder indeed does select Singler, don’t be surprised if we someday see him attempting some trick shots from atop the Devon Tower downtown or from the roof of the team’s new practice facility.
Here is some extra Singler footage for Thunder general manager Sam Presti to study:
Hornets GM Refutes Paul-Westbrook Trade Rumor
Don't hold your breath for Russell Westbrook (0) and Chris Paul to trade places.
A byproduct of the criticism aimed at Russell Westbrook throughout the Thunder’s run to the Western Conference Finals was outlandish trade speculation surrounding the third-year point guard. Following his roller-coaster postseason, Westbrook managed to become the centerpiece in potential deals tossed around by fans and media types.
Of course, the speculation made absolutely no sense. The Thunder is not trading Russell Westbrook. Read that sentence 100 more times so it sinks in. Westbrook is a top five point guard, an All-Star and a Second-Team All-NBA selection. He’s quickly entering into the realm of NBA stars that simply don’t return equal value if they’re dealt. There are still some exceptions in Westbrook’s case, but you get the point. He’s still only 22, and he has accepted his role with the franchise. His potential for growth is too great. His character and commitment has helped establish incredible chemistry. And the Thunder has invested too much time and energy into developing Westbrook to up and turn back now.
But no one seems to consider all of those facts. Some see one bad game by Westbrook and say he needs to be shipped out. Earlier this week, a beat writer who covers a team drafting in the high lottery contacted me just to check to see if the Thunder would consider trading Westbrook. The writer knew it was a long shot, but the team’s fan base was running with Westbrook rumors so much that the writer had no choice but to begin the process of due diligence.
The most popular Westbrook trade scenario that almost took on a life of its own, though, was Westbrook to New Orleans for Chris Paul — another “potential” swap that shouldn’t really need validation. But, once again, the speculation has grown so rampant that Hornets general manager Dell Demps had to be asked about the rumor. No surprise that he shot it down.
“Sam Presti and I, our offices used to be right next to each other, so we still text each other all the time, and I can assure you that has not been a conversation we’ve had,” Demps said, cracking a smile as he spoke to reporters.
Someday, the basketball world (which includes some right here in OKC) will realize how special Westbrook is. Is he a true point guard? No. Does he need to be? Heck no. He is what he is: an out-of-this-world guard who averaged 24 points, five rebounds and six assists in the playoffs.
And he’s not going anywhere.
-DM-
Monday Morning Mailbag
It's plays like this one by Russell Westbrook, surrounded by four Raptors defenders, that have fans calling him a ball hog.
Good Monday, Thunder heads.
Much has happened since our last mailbag. Kendrick Perkins made his Thunder debut. The Thunder went on a season-long six-game winning streak…then saw it snapped by Toronto, which swept the season series. And James Harden has become a player.
In this week’s mailbag, we discuss ball-hogs, buried assets and Byron Mullens’ future.
And as always, join the conversation if you’d like. Our mailbag is always open.
Enjoy!
How do you think the Rockets are finishing up the season? – Myron M.
Resiliently. After all they’ve been through they’re still in the hunt for a playoff spot. And they might actually make it! Five of their final 11 games are against teams below .500. And six of their final 11 come at home. Of their remaining road games – Miami, New Jersey, Philadelphia, New Orleans and Minnesota – only the Heat game looks like a guaranteed loss. The Rockets are only a game and a half behind Memphis for the eighth seed and the Grizzlies have a tougher home stretch with road games at Boston, Chicago, Portland and home dates with Utah, San Antonio and New Orleans remaining. I suspect it will come down to the wire between the Rockets and Grizzlies, maybe even the final day of the regular season.
Hey Darnell. Not to be overly critical because RW is clearly awesome and a work in progress. But clearly someone has not told this guy that he is incredible when he gets his teammates involved. I understand the need for him to be aggressive, but it seems like he can get his whenever and he doesn’t really need to “look for his offense.” Anyway, hopefully he can figure it out because I don’t think it bodes well for the playoffs for Russ to ball hog (a la Kobe) down the stretch. What do you think? – Marc.
We give players so much attention and adoration for scoring that few want to do anything else. Westbrook has proven he can be a great playmaker. But it always seems like there is a moment in every game when he’s just like, ‘Forget this. I’m scoring.’ You’re right, he’s awesome. But he’d be great if he was a threat to both score as well as make his teammates better at all times. It’d keep the defense off balance and improve everyone’s efficiency. Finding the right balance and consistently being able to play with it should be Westbrook’s focus this summer. His takeover-ability, however, actually should help the Thunder in the playoffs. It did last year. And if things get bogged down this postseason, it’s great to have an option that can create something in a hurry.
Hey Darnell. I’m a huge Thunder fan. Watched every game the past two years. Regarding this year’s draft, if Kawhi Leonard is still there when the Thunder picks, which is 50/50, we need to take him. He’s very athletic. A great rebounder and ball-handler. Solid defender, passer and shooter. He was a double-double machine all year. Please tell Presti or Scotty or anyone really about this kid. – Jeff S.
Sorry, Jeff. I highly doubt he’ll be around. I haven’t watched a second of San Diego State this season so I’m honestly not familiar with his game. I’ll have to take your word for it. But the Thunder is on pace to pick in the mid-20s. Leonard is projected to be a lottery pick. With Presti running the show, there’s always a chance of the Thunder trading on draft night, perhaps even trying to move up to get him or someone else. But if Leonard is as good as the scouts and so-called draft experts say he is, it’d be hard for the Thunder to get its hands on him.
Monday Morning Mailbag
While the rest of the league goes gaga over Russell Westbrook, some Thunder fans are starting to question his selfish play.
A great batch of questions in this week’s mailbag.
Thanks to those who asked questions. If you’d like to, feel free to join the discussion next week.
Let’s get right to it.
I’ve asked elsewhere, but no one has had an answer. The last couple of games Perkins is showing up on the bench of away games, but when it’s here at home he’s not anywhere to be seen. There’s gotta be a reason, but for the life of me can’t figure out why, almost like he is disrespecting the fans. Not sure how Nate is doing, but if he’s in town, he should be there too. He adds a lot of life to the bench. Others show up in suits, why not them? Thanks! – Barb C.
There are a few things in play here. Mostly, though, when they haven’t been on the bench, Perkins and Robinson have been in the back getting treatment on their respective injuries. Sitting on the bench during a game is not the best position for Robinson’s knee. Also, I was told that when Perkins first got to town he didn’t have suitable attire as set by the NBA to be on the bench. I wouldn’t consider it a big deal. You had no reason to notice yesterday, but Semih Erden did the exact same thing in Cleveland. He’s injured right now, and as I was walking out just before tip-off I saw him go into the weight room to get some rehab in. I didn’t see Antawn Jamison on the bench either. It’s fairly common throughout the league.
Hello Darnell. I am trying to understand how clinching a playoff spot works. I was looking over the Eastern Conference and I noticed that both Boston and Miami have clinched a playoff spot however Chicago the number 2 team had not. What determines how and when a team clinches? – Thanks Tiffany T.
It’s all a numbers game. A team clinches when none of the bottom seven teams in the conference can catch it even if it loses the remaining games on its schedule. That’s probably what you noticed a few days ago with Chicago versus Miami and Boston. Chicago might have had a better record than Miami, but the Bulls probably had played fewer games at that point and still had the possibility, however unlikely, of losing out and falling out of the postseason if another one of the bottom seven teams hypothetically won out. Until those scenarios no longer exist, teams don’t officially clinch.
Hi Darnell. I love your coverage of the team and the notes on Thunder Rumblings. But, I never ever see any quotes by Russell. Does he not speak to the media? I would think after Saturday night joining that select group of players he would have some words to say. Thanks for any insight, keep up the great work. – William B.
Russell isn’t the best interview. He doesn’t particularly care to talk to the media. He does it begrudgingly mostly. His answers are generally short and not so sweet. Sports journalists try to not print such responses from players and coaches, no matter who they are or what lever they are at. Also, Westbrook is typically the first player out of the locker room after games. And a good amount of the time it’s an either-or equation between talking to Kevin Durant or Westbrook. They almost always finish getting dressed and head for the exit at the same time. All that is why Westbrook is not quoted as much as some others. But it’s not something that is a problem or a knock on Westbrook’s personality. It’s just something you run into. My guess is every team has someone or something similar.
Monday Morning Mailbag
How will Kendrick Perkins change the Oklahoma City Thunder's rotation?
It’s that time again.
Our Monday morning mailbag is back.
Kendrick Perkins has yet to play a game for the Thunder after his trade from Boston. But questions about how his presence might impact the rotation are already prevalent. We also get a little history lesson on the dunk contest and some surprise talk of vuvuzelas.
Let’s get to it. And as always, feel free to join the discussion next week if you like.
Hey Darnell- With M. Daniels out indefinitely and P. Pierce getting an MRI for his foot injury today, rookie L. Harangody is the only thing resembling a SF left on the Celtics roster. Don’t the Cs NEED somebody like Jeff Green now? His salary is almost exact match with Perkins’, they have 2 O’Neals and Semih Erden under contract thru 2012, and Big Baby can play the 5 in need be. Am I crazy, or would this be a perfect trade for both squads? – Steve H.
Major props to you Steve. You sent this e-mail on Feb. 14. And you absolutely nailed it! Remind me to get you on speed dial next February.
Has a rookie ever won the dunk contest, and if so what year and who won it if you know? —- Jamie C.
Yes. Blake Griffin became the 11th rookie to win the dunk contest. Spud Webb won it as a rookie with Atlanta in 1986. Dee Brown won it as a rookie with the Celtics in 1991. Harold Miner won it as a rookie with Miami in 1993. Isaiah Rider won it as a rookie with Minnesota in 1994. Brent Barry won it as a rookie with the L.A. Clippers in 1996. Kobe Bryant won it as a rookie with the L.A. Lakers in 1997. Desmond Mason won it as a rookie with Seattle in 2001. Jason Richardson won it as a rookie with Golden State in 2002. Josh Smith won it as a rookie with Atlanta in 2005. Nate Robinson won it as a rookie with New York in 2006.
After the Boston trade went down there were some quotes from Rivers about how he and Ainge agonized over it. It makes me wonder how involved Brooks is with the FO decisions, especially since he had been playing Green so much, nearly to a fault. Insight? — Steven R.
I know that Brooks and Sam Presti talk about possible player acquisitions, whether they’re potential free agent pick-ups or trades, regularly. But at the end of the day, the Bull’s eye is on Presti for all roster moves. He’s the one who’s held accountable for player movement, so the final call is his. Brooks isn’t going to persuade or dissuade Presti from making a move if he feels it’s best for the team and its long term prospects.
Five Quick Thoughts On OKC’s Deals
1) I love both deals. In one trade, the Thunder essentially packaged its out of position power forward (who is probably better suited as a sixth man) and its token starting center for a proven championship caliber center who can anchor its defense. In the other deal, OKC dealt spare parts for additional size, shot-blocking, experience and frontcourt depth. And the Thunder did it all without blowing up its budget in the short or long term. That about sums up the day. Yeah, the Thunder came out a huge winner.
2) I hope Perkins is healthy. The team’s medical staff already has pored over the particulars in Perkins’ history. No red flags were raised during that process, which ultimately paved the way for the Thunder to agree to the deal. Perkins must now pass a physical, and his knees will be the biggest question marks. Perk missed this season’s first 43 games after tearing the MCL and PCL in his knee in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. And he is currently sidelined for at least a week with a sprained MCL in his left knee. If even the slightest sign of something fishy appears during the physical process, we could see the Thunder rescind the deal. I highly doubt that happens. But Thunder general manager Sam Presti has proven in the past (see Tyson Chandler) that he listens to and trusts his medical staff. He’d nix this deal as well if need be. All indications, however, are that the Thunder organization believes Perkins is good to go and ready to be a cornerstone in OKC.
3) The Thunder just got tough. How many teams will want to to pick on a starting frontline of Perkins and Serge Ibaka? The answer is zero. The Thunder won’t be bullied by anyone. Not now. Not in the playoffs. For 2 1/2 seasons, the Thunder has been more of a finesse team. But both of today’s deals add more force and fire. Russell Westbrook is as tough as a point guard as you’ll find (ask Jermaine O’Neal), and Nick Collison and Nazr Mohammed have much-needed meanness as well. Perk and Mohammed are a match made in heaven for the Thunder.
4) Don’t underestimate Nate Robinson. It’s easy to look at him as a throw in. Don’t. Robinson has value. And lots of it. Whether he matters in Oklahoma City, though, will all depend on Scott Brooks. If Brooks gives Robinson minutes, he could be a serious spark plug. He scores in bunches and poses problems for defenses. He might be small. But he’s quick, he’s strong and he can shoot. Robinson can also get to the rack. So forget about where he plays. What’s important is that he plays. He’s a point guard but can slide over and steal minutes at the 2 in some situations, or all0w Westbrook to move over at times. Robinson might not fit in OKC long term. But my eyes are locked strictly on this year’s postseason. A scorer like Robinson who can heat up in a hurry is never a bad thing to have coming off your bench. It’s players like Robinson who can steal a game in a series. Just go back and look at Game 4 of last year’s Finals.
5) Say hello to better defense. You’re tired of seeing it. I’m tired of writing about it. The Thunder’s defense just hasn’t been as good this year as it was last season. At least not consistently. Perkins and Ibaka could be great together. They present ideal size and a perfect blend of bulk and athleticism. Perk is an exceptional position defender. Ibaka is a great shot-blocker who’s at his best when helping off his man. Together, they should shore up the team’s D while making everyone else in front of them better. Now, the Thunder can rely less on helping the post, either on post-ups or penetration, and stay at home more on shooters. It should have a trickle down effect that leads to better 3-point defense.
-DM-
